About Old North

The Old North Church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and one of the Freedom Trails most visited historical sites, known for “One if by land, and two if by sea,” and the midnight ride of Paul Revere. The Old North Church & Historic Site also includes:

Three large courtyards, two formal gardens, and a war memorial to soldiers fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan

Two adjoining townhouses, converted into use for administrative, educational, social, civic, and parish programs

HISTORY
The enduring fame of the Old North began on the evening of April 18, 1775, when the church sexton Robert Newman and Vestryman Capt. John Pulling, Jr. climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River and not by land. This fateful event ignited the American Revolution. Each year, half a million people from all over the country and all over the world visit this unique and stirring monument to liberty.

Click over to our This Old Pew article series to unlock the history connected to the pews and learn about the peoples, customs, and events that shaped the church into an American icon!

MANAGEMENT
The Old North Foundation is the 501(c)3 secular nonprofit steward of the Old North Historic Site. Christ Church in the City of Boston is an active Episcopal Church and partner of the Old North Foundation.

Mission: The Old North Foundation promotes values of freedom, liberty, and civic engagement through the interpretation and preservation of the Old North Historic Site, an enduring symbol of American independence. The Foundation serves a wide audience by creating meaningful experiences through educational outreach, site-specific programming, and historical analysis.

We are located at 193 Salem Street in Boston’s North End. Our main entrance is located at the intersection of Salem and Hull Streets. Click for more information about ourlocation, the nearest parking garage, or directions.